The Wilds interviews Fall bride, Shannan, on inspiration, decor and advice on finding the perfect Indiana wedding venue
Shannan and Alex had an incredible wedding day here at The Wilds venue in Indiana! From heartfelt moments to absolutely stunning details, this pair and their team went above and beyond. We sat down with Shannan to ask her a bit about her experience and the advice that she would like to share with future couples. Don’t miss this Wedding Venue Q&A!
How did you meet? Tell us about your first date and the proposal!
Alex and I met in our professional choir in Atlanta! The director of the choir is who married us as our officiant! Our first date was at a restaurant called Noble Fin (we named our first puppy Finn after that).
Alex proposed on Christmas Day 2020! Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday and we were in GA with my family. He wanted to make sure they were there to celebrate with us. we had just gotten back to my moms’ from all the festivities and he proposed in the driveway (with our two golden retrievers present). Then we opened the front door to a surprise party and I, of course, lost it and was a happy crying mess! Family had come in town from all over and it was the sweetest gathering.
Your gown was incredible! Did you know exactly what wedding dress style or designer you wanted? And where did you end up finding it?
I knew I was an Essence of Australia bride! Their style fits mine perfectly (lace, lace, lace)! I got my dress from Wedding Angels in Atlanta and had it customized at Something Wonderful in Indianapolis.
You were planning your wedding at The Wilds in Bloomington, Indiana from quite a distance. How was planning a destination wedding?
We were! We planned our wedding over long distance from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I just graduated with my Master’s degree May 2021. The Online Wedding Planner that you provide is a lifesaver! And it is so amazing because with the experience the team has – they know every detail you need to consider before you even get there!
Wedding planning from a distance can definitely be challenging, but we are pros at making the process turn key and stress free! When did you know The Wilds was your venue, and how did you find out about us?
We searched for an Indiana wedding venue online since we were still living in Louisiana at the time. Alex did the initial search and said he only found one option that he liked. I then decided to search and found The Wilds! I sent it to him and he said, “That’s the one!”
We never found anything else that came close to what The Wilds has to offer and kept coming back to The Wilds site. The aesthetic, the history, the story, the location, the turn-key situation… everything was exactly what we wanted and dreamed of.
That is wonderful to hear! What was a key priority for you in your dream wedding venue in Indiana?
We wanted a venue that would be equally beautiful and flexible indoors and outdoors for the wedding ceremony and reception. Definitely wanted a wedding reception on location as well. The dream was to have a gorgeous outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception and we did just that!
Your outdoor wedding ceremony was so heartfelt! What were some of the most special parts of it for you?
My Godfather blessed our ceremony by reading a poem that was written by my grandparents. That was their way of “attending” since they couldn’t travel in Covid times. My Uncle walked me down the aisle as well, which was very special. He has certainly stepped-in as a father figure at times throughout my adulthood.
Your unique aesthetic is sure to be inspirational for many brides to come. What was the inspiration behind your wedding design style?
We wanted our day to represent us in every detail and the amazing team of vendors created the perfect aesthetic. Our vibe was romantic boho chic – but in black and white.
That black and white twist made for such a cool wedding vibe. So let’s talk florals and outfitting, how did you apply your color palette to those elements of the day?
Black, white, charcoal and blush, with all the vibey greenery from the florals set the scene! We wanted a timeless color scheme that would look beautiful in photos, not get dated, and colors that our wedding party would all be comfortable wearing. We also wanted the wedding party colors to contrast with the gorgeous fall forest background.
This is a simple wedding venue q&a, but we see ourselves as a supporter of your life-long story. So now that you and Alex are married, where do you see yourselves in 50 years?
We are most excited to start our family together! We are beyond ready for “minis” and hope that lots of adventures are in our future!
In 50 years, I pray that our family is happy, healthy, and full of love. We definitely want to be those cool parents/grandparents that keep up traditions and make some amazing memories.
Let’s talk wedding decor! What were standout parts of your reception design that you loved the most?
Florals were everything!!! Lauren with Laurilyn Floral Design killed it and made the whole vibe! I asked her for a romantic boho-chic vibe and she created it. The signs were heavily DIY. And I’m so glad we chose the gold flatware for dinner! I also loved that our videographer and photographer captured the locket I made to go around my bouquet of me and my dad. He passed away when I was in high school.
Everything came together so beautifully! And now about the experience – which part of your wedding reception is going to be committed to memory forever?
My favorite part was my first dance with my mom. She raised me, she gave me away, and she has always been my person. Those are such special moments I will never forget.
What part of your wedding day were you and Alex most highly anticipating leading up to the big day?
Celebrating our love with our favorite people. The whole day was absolutely PERFECT – weather included. I wouldn’t change a thing and wish I could relive every second!
We live for a celebration like that! To close out our wedding venue Q&A, were there any ways in particular that The Wilds team helped you to have the wedding day of your dreams?
The Wilds team was a DREAM to work with! They helped me every step of the way and answered any questions I had! The Online Wedding Planner is also incredible. And, the team on our wedding day was phenomenal! I brought all of my signage and details and they made my life so easy that day by setting up for me! Just amazing!! THANK YOU, WILDS TEAM! You truly made our day a fairytale.
Relive the magic
Shannan and Alex’s stunning wedding day was captured beautifully by Rustic River Films!
Plan your own magic day at the Wilds
We hope that you enjoyed this Wedding Venue Q&A! Thank you to Shannan for providing such wonderful insights to her experience, and we send you and Alex lots of love!
If you are ready to call The Wilds your Indiana wedding venue, contact us today to begin planning the happiest day of your life.
The Vendor Team
| Wedding Venue | — | The Wilds Venue |
| Bar | — | Upland Brewing Co. |
| Caterer | — | One World Catering |
| Wedding Cake | — | Icing On The Cake |
| Planning | — | The Wilds Wedding Venue |
| Photography | — | Katie Byrd |
| Videography | — | Rustic River Films |
| Florist | — | Laurilyn Farms |
| Musicians | — | DJ Connection |
| Hair & Makeup | — | Allure With Grace Beauty |
| Rental Decor | — | The Wilds Decor Shop |
| Transportation | — | Royal Transportation |
| Stationery, Signage + Details | — | Minted |
| Wedding Dress + Suit Shop | — | Men’s Wearhouse |
| Jewelry | — | Jared |
| Wedding Dress | — | Essense of Australia |
Looking for more wedding planning inspiration? We have all that you need right here!
- About The Wilds Wedding Venue
- Fall Weddings at The Wilds Wedding Venue in Indiana
- Real Weddings at The Wilds Venue
- Special Events at The Wilds Venue
- Spring Weddings at The Wilds Wedding Venue in Indiana
- Summer Weddings at The Wilds Wedding Venue in Indiana
- Top Indiana Wedding Vendors
- Wedding Planning
- Winter Weddings at The Wilds Wedding Venue in Indiana
